Karen Seekamp

The object of the dissertation is the conception of a sports park 4 km to the west of Mainz city centre. The design for a roofed football stadium with 20,000 seats is the focal point of this project. The formal concept is integrated into the urban landscape and comprises a multi-functional hall, training pitches and sufficient parking space.

The following aspects need to be considered in this context:

· the character of the place

· the nature of football as an event

· the functional requirements

At the beginning of the project therefore, these aspects were used to derive criteria against which the consistent realisation of the project could be measured:

· structuring of a representative stadium

· attracting a broad public and providing safety

· intensive use of the area also when matches are not taking place

The result of these considerations is the present project, which integrates the stadium into the parkland. This park radiates a leisure atmosphere and therefore provides visitors with many opportunities to relax.

This area is opened up from the north, so that the whole park is kept “car free”. Furthermore, the parking area functions as a buffer zone which protects the park from the disturbing influence of the busy Saarstrasse. The stadium is located near the public transport stop in order to guarantee ease of access from here, too.

The central idea of integrating the stadium into the park is also taken into account in the design of the stadium itself.

The filigree supporting framework developed for this purpose supports a light membrane roof. The whole construction completely dispenses with rigid connections. The forces are transmitted from the supports to the stanchions exclusively via traction cables. Allowances are made in the structure as a whole for the flow of energy into individual stanchions.

As a result of geometrical intersection of the rectangular playing fields and the oval stadium plan the stands are cut in wedge shapes. From outside the stadium, the stands appear like natural hills in the parkland. The impression of hills is supported by a unified, smooth façade.

The stadium is divided into four sections which are opened out only by the constructive emphasis placed on the corners. Toilets and other sanitary facilities are evenly distributed on the ground floor. Only the west stand has a special function, integrating the VIP boxes, press area and team changing rooms.

 

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